There are actually few pieces of heavy equipment which are as valuable or effective as a forklift for companies and businesses that need to transport heavy supplies and items. Forklifts are a common site in manufacturing plants, dockyards, distribution depots, lumber yards, shipping and receiving, agriculture, warehouses and other work places which has to handle loads ranging from 3000 to 30,000 plus lbs.
The forklift is utilized most often to keep the flow of operations running as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Though lift trucks are a big investment, the amount of man hours they could save and the injuries they reduce from heavy lifting could make the purchase pay for itself eventually.
There are many different models and manufacturers of lift trucks on the market. Various models are made to accomplish various jobs. So as to make certain that you don't buy more than you need or the wrong type of machine, it is essential to evaluate your company's needs and compare to the different units on the market. Talking to a licensed forklift distributor is a very great idea and so is doing your own research on the internet.
When looking at forklifts by fuel type, the following types are available:
Electric: Electric forklifts use heavy, large, rechargeable batteries that are lead-acid based. These batteries could run for roughly 5 or 6 hours straight. Electric models are great for indoor applications due to their lack of emissions. They are a common choice for retail spaces and warehouses since they put zero emissions into the air where individuals are working and provide a relatively low cost per hour of operation.
Internal Combustion: The internal combustion engine operates on a range of different fuels like compressed natural gas or CNG, others take diesel, LP or liquid propane or gasoline. When compared to electric forklifts, the internal combustion or IC models accelerate faster, are easier to refuel and can carry heavier loads. These models are typically more expensive to utilize than their electric counterparts.
Fuel Cell: The latest in lift truck technology is the Hydrogen fuel cell. These units offer the quietness and zero emissions of electric lift trucks but provide the fast refueling capability of an IC unit.
There are a variety of outdoor Nissan units which provide synchronized steering. This feature automatically returns the wheel knob to the original position following completing a turn. Equipped with solid pneumatic tires to provide a comfortable ride both indoors and outdoors, these tires are more resistant to wear and damage.